FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NCFA has been in attendance this week during the Marine Fisheries Commission meeting in Williamston and will provide a detailed update in next week’s Weekly Newsletter.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
There were no bills relating to fishing introduced this week. The shellfish bill we’ve been waiting on is still being drafted. A “certain organization” sent a note to legislators saying things are terrible for recreational fishermen in North Carolina and it’s all the fault of inshore trawling and gillnets, so that could be a sign something is coming.
Most of the legislative committee meetings have been background information on various state agencies and preliminary discussions on appropriations. The General Assembly will remain in session until a budget is passed by the Senate, House and signed by the Governor.
FISHERIES RELATED
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries are seeking public input on potential management measures for spot and Atlantic croaker that could be considered in response to declining trends in harvest and abundance indicators. http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/news-releases
Recovered Crab Pots Available To Rightful Owners
Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board to meet
The Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will meet by teleconference at 10:30 a.m., April 11. The public may listen to the meeting at the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Wilmington Regional Office, 127 N Cardinal Drive, Wilmington and at the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Headquarters, 3441 Arendell Street, Morehead City. http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/commercial-fishing-license-information